MARCH 19,1945
SOUTHERN FRANCE
 
Dear Mother and Dad,
          Don't worry about the Red Cross stationary - it just happens that I'm near a club. It's warm bright place to read, there are a number of other men here from the unit, and there is hot coffee and cake.
          The curtain, by the way, has gone down on my affair with Virginia. I wouldn't mention it except for the fact that it might make you feel "funny" around Mamie and Urban. Virginia told me she loves another - so it was she, not I. However, I hope I can trust you not to say anything about it to them or to anyone else. And don't worry about me. I'm not pining away for unrequited love.
          I like my new job - as battalion S-3 very much. Previously, I always had been assistant to somebody- now I have a chance to operate with more freedom. An S-3 actually has no command powers; he only gives orders that his commander has approved, or that his commander would approve. However, if he wins his commanders confidence, he becomes an important man, and is much depended upon.
          I can't think of any startling news - so I'll say goodbye.